Today is a day for which I am very grateful.My eldest son turned fifteen years old today.Wow!Where have the years gone?It seems like yesterday that I fell off of my chair when Cazandra told me that she was ready to start a family.I remember being completely blown away.

I really feel like my life completely changed with the birth of my big stinky boy.Little did I know that my entire perception of who I was, and who I continue to be, would be so profoundly different.No matter what others thought of me, I would be known as Dad.

The implication of this switch in name is huge.It reminded me that the love that God shares with me is the example of which I wanted to model in my own family.Whether I liked it or not, my name would be linked with one who provides shelter and a respite from the world.I would be looked upon to protect and defend another life.

When I became a dad, I knew the presence of God was with me.My loving creator wrapped me in His arms and seemed to whisper into the hurt that had controlled my life that my time as an adult had come.The Spirit spoke by saying, “You are capable of caring for the most important part of the kingdom.You, Joe MacDonald are capable of mighty things.”

Dads are incredible beings.We are meant to support, encourage, defend, teach, love, guide and….While we attempt all of these tasks (sometimes at the same time) we question ourselves.“Do we have what it takes to continue?Will he be protected from some of the dark paths which I have walked?”

The answers to these questions are found in God.In my times of weakness (and believe me there are many) God offers Divine assurance to that still small voice in the pit of my stomach, or in a loud booming voice that brings me to my knees.I am encouraged to continue my journey and simply love with everything I have within myself.My role as a father guides me and reminds me to search for the Father.

It is my prayer that my son knows that he is loved more than he could ever dream.I pray that he knows that he is a wonderful man-child with incredible potential.I hope that he will passionately follow his life’s journey and develop his God given talents.It is my desire that, when all is said and done, my son will reflect back on his life and be content with the fact that he achieved his purpose on this planet.I wish….